title: Lower limb amputation. 4: Some ethical considerations.
abstract: For some people the prospect of amputation may offer an escape from the constant pain, infection and disability which have been part of their lives for many years. However, other may regard death as a preferable option. Denying treatment when the alternative prognosis is death causes much debate among healthcare professionals, families and carers. Ultimately, however, healthcare professionals must listen to the person in need of the amputation. The first article in this series illustrated the care pathway of a vascular patient, the second studied the surgical process of amputation and the third highlighted the importance of the nurse's role in the amputee's physiological, psychological and social care. This article, the last in the series, discusses the issues surrounding the person's decision not to have an amputation.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Donohue
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery*